Page 1430 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 10 April 2013
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needs of this most important project. The city centre needs also to accommodate major recreation and cultural facilities and we need to plan for and reserve future sites to futureproof our city.
For example, in doing so we can provide a new CBD stadium in the city, one that is close to other attractions, is accessible to all and, importantly, is supported by enhanced public transport. After considerable investigation and analysis, the city pool site is a preferred location for a new stadium. It would certainly anchor one end of City Walk, bringing to life an area that is currently lacking.
It could also be serviced by nearby light rail stops, overlook Commonwealth Park and the lake and have sweeping views across the parliamentary triangle to Parliament House. It would make it a unique and memorable urban stadium. Similarly, the government recognises the need to cater for new convention facilities, to make provision for the possible expansion and improvement of the existing convention centre and to reserve a site for the building of a new facility when the time is right.
There is no doubt that a key piece in this puzzle of connecting the city to the lake is the treatment of Parkes Way. There is no question that it is a vital traffic artery, but it is also the major barrier that isolates and disconnects the city from its waterfront and from our main city parks. To overcome this barrier it is proposed to construct Parkes Way as a smart boulevard. By this we mean split level, allowing for the free flowing of traffic at the lower level and the introduction of city streets—local city streets—at the surface level.
There are a number of other features that form part of the city to the lake project. This is something that certainly has captured the public imagination and there have been a lot of questions asked in relation to lake water quality. One of the key elements of the project is capturing and treating stormwater through a series of water gardens to improve water quality before it enters the lake.
The opportunity to access the lake for transit is another key element, with ferries and water taxis delivering people to the city at a new ferry terminal connecting with the Kingston harbour. It provides for restaurants, cafes and places for people to meet, to promenade, or simply to sit and relax. Critically, it provides continuous public access to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians can experience the waterfront safely on generous separated paths.
Linking our city to the lake is about unlocking the potential of our city centre through providing quality public domain and facilities so that our CBD can evolve into a place which is more attractive to residents and visitors and a place where people will want to stay longer. It will be more active, safer and accessible with diverse activities occurring during the day and the night.
Public consultation is now open. We certainly encourage people to spread the word and encourage local residents, business and organisations to have their say. Our city is poised to further cement its identity as a great capital and a city that celebrates its waterfront.
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